"Wouldn't you love to see one of these NFL owners, when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, 'Get that son of a bitch off the field right now,' " Trump said, adding, " 'He is fired.' "

"When people like yourselves turn on television and you see those people taking the knee when they are playing our great national anthem — the only thing you could do better is if you see it, even if it's one player, leave the stadium," Trump added Friday. "I guarantee things will stop."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell responded to Trump's remarks on Saturday, calling them "divisive" and saying they show a "lack of respect" for the league and its players.

“Divisive comments like these demonstrate an unfortunate lack of respect for the NFL, our great game and all of our players, and a failure to understand the overwhelming force for good our clubs and players represent in our communities," Goodell said.